What is SwitchboardFREE?

SwitchboardFREE is virtual phone provider with a focus on call management features. SwitchboardFREE provides customers one phone number and calls to this number can be forwarded to a mobile or landline where they will be placed in a queue until the receiver picks up the call or sends it to voicemail.

SwitchboardFREE's offerings are based on the phone number type selected, the number of monthly minutes and where the call is being directed:

Business Numbers offers a basic number that users can select for free.

Professional Numbers offers more memorable business numbers and cost £5 per month to keep.

Gold Numbers are the most professional looking and memorable numbers and cost £10 per month to keep.

What are some key differences and similarities between SwitchboardFREE and Grasshopper?

Technology: Neither SwitchboardFREE and Grasshopper require hardware installation. Both providers also include the free app for iPhone and Android.

Call Plans: Grasshopper plan offerings include more features and minutes for your money. Grasshopper also doesn't charge you differently based on where your calls are being redirected. SwitchboardFREE charges you more if your calls are being forwarded to a mobile line as opposed to a landline.

Why should I choose Grasshopper over SwitchboardFREE?

Multiple Numbers: SwitchboardFREE offers you one phone number that can be forwarded to five redirects. Grasshopper offers one phone number with 100 extensions. The Grasshopper Grow and Max plans includes more number offerings.

Customer Service: Grasshopper customers are encouraged to call the support line which is available 24/7. SwitchboardFREE customers can only call the support line during the designated work hours.

Business Needs: SwitchboardFREE is a great call management solution for sales professionals who need to keep track of who is calling, when call volume is at the highest, and where calls are coming from. Grasshopper, however, is designed with the everyday entrepreneur and small business owner in mind, offering plans based on business size.

How much does it cost?

SwitchboardFREE's pricing is determined by the phone number selected, the number of monthly minutes and the device the call is being routed to. For this reason, it's difficult to determine how much the service will cost you per month.

Grasshopper's plans are simply dependent on minutes. Regardless of which plan you select, you'll have access to all the great call features, smartphone apps and customer support service.

Grasshopper

Pay As You Grow

RAMP

GROW

MAX

£10 /month

£20/month

£30/month

£150/month

0 minutes (pay as you go)

1,000 minutes

2,000 minutes

10,000 minutes

SwitchboardFREE

Business

Professional

Gold

Free connection & no monthly fee

Free connection, £5/month

Free connection, £10/month

400 Mins Pack

800 Mins Pack

1200 Mins Pack

to Landline £5.96/month

to Landline £9.96/month

to Landline £14.96/month

to Mobile £11.96/month

to Mobile £19.96/month

to Mobile £29.96/month

200 minutes to each to Landline £9.96/month

400 minutes to each to Landline £14.96/month

600 minutes to each to Landline £23.96/month

Choosing the best option for you

SwitchboardFREE is a great call management solution for professionals who need to track call data. However, if all you need is a virtual phone number with robust call features, Grasshopper is the better option for your budget. You get more features and flexibility – in addition to support – at a lower price.